You and your family are invited to a new friend’s home for dinner. You arrive on time, you are on your best behavior, (and really hoping your husband doesn’t say anything embarrassing). You don’t know the family all that well, but both husbands work together. You know you have a few things in common, but you are still unsure how well you will eventually get along.
You knock on the door, and the wife comes to open it. She is done up all pretty, and bubbly, and welcomes you into her warm home. “Hi, how are you?” “Did you find the place ok?”, you know how it goes – all the pleasantries.
Then comes the awkward part… “Would you like something to drink?”, she asks. “Yes, please, that would be great!” You answer, like you’ve not just had a drink before you got in the car!
“What would you like?”, she asks sincerely.
Ummm…. Such an unexpectedly loaded question!
What would you like to drink?
Now here is what I mean by awks… She hasn’t offered any options. Does she mean tea or coffee, or wine, or soft drink, or something completely different?
You are not about to say, “A shot of Tequila please, my kids have been driving me mental all day!” But you are not really gunning for a cup of weak herbal tea either.
Do you ask for a glass of wine, knowing you brought over a bottle to share? Or does she think you bought it as a gift?
You realize you've shot yourself in the foot because you can't change your mind now - you've already said you wanted something! Backing out would seem crazy weird!
Meanwhile, as these thoughts are rushing through your head, you are suddenly conscious that you haven’t said anything at all yet and everyone is starring at you in a deafening silence, as if to say, “it’s only a drink – say something!”
Startled you blurt out, “Oh, water for me thanks!”, “Really, are you sure?”
Gahhh… so you get your boring water, and have to shut up about it!
All the awkwardness of this moment can be avoided.
After all, you have been invited over for dinner. Now, I’m not saying the hostess needs to list any and all of the beverages in her house for you to choose from, but a simple guide would be great!
A simple phrase such as, “Red or White?” would be a great indication. Another great hint could be, “Would you like a cold drink? I have…” after which the guest can develop a picture of something sensible to ask for.
“I’ll join you with a glass of red, please.”
There, done. How hard was that?!
...and the evening goes on!
